Anything to look out for with the Cooper S models, in between those years? I know people say to get a Post Facelift model, any reason why?

My dilmena is between getting a lower mileage 03, or a higher mileage 04/05.

Thanks!

These MINI Buyers Guides should help:
USA:
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide (http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/)
UK:
Buying guide : MINI 2001-2007 | AROnline (http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/2011/08/19/buying-guide-mini-2001-2007/)

Stay away from the Aisin 6 speed auto MCS. It's what I have and it's giving me nothing but problems. Problem the first and second gears disintegrating. Love the car, hate the problems.

So probably go with the higher mileage 05/06 over low mileage 03/04?

I've read that outta the year range you are talking about, the best MCS is the '06. '04s are good too, but that is pre-update... get a '06 MCS w/ a 6 speed manual and have fun.

I have also read that buying a newer, higher mileage vehicle is better than buying an older, lower mileage vehicle. The reason is that although the parts on the newer car have more miles on them, they are still newer and have been expose to the elements less and more than likely, most of the miles on the newer vehicle will be highway miles, not stop-and-go. An example, '06 with 90k is 6 years old which is 15k per year. you don't drive 15k inside a city or small town, you drive 15k on the highway which you aren't using the brakes, the cruise is probably set so the car isn't accelerating, and the highways are smooth so the suspension doesn't take a beating. Plus, I have also read that a car is running the most efficient at 80 mph. I'd go with the newer, higher mileage vehicle.

I am going to go look at an 04 Silver MCS (manual) , with 85k, for $9500 tomorrow.

Wish me luck!

I have an 04 and the only major problem so far has been the power steering pump which is a common problem in the 1st . gen . Mini.

Yeah I've read about the power steering issues already. So for a test drive in the 04 (and possibly an 03 as well), anything I should do/test in order to make sure the car is running great? Obviously I will listen for creaks and rattles, but anything out of the ordinary to look for? Thanks again guys.

My choices at this point:

All are MC-S

Electric Blue / Pan Roof / Black Roof 04 - 84k - $10.9k
Gray / Pan Roof / Black Roof 05 - 82k - $11.9k
Electric Blue / Pan Roof / White Roof 03 - 81k - $9.9k
Silver / Silver No-Pan Roof 04 - 84k - $9.5k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 03 - 67k - $10.9k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 05 - 90k - $11.5k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 05 = 94k - $11.9k


What do you guys think is the best deal? The last one is closer to me than one above it, so that's why it's on the list.

My choices at this point:

All are MC-S

Electric Blue / Pan Roof / Black Roof 04 - 84k - $10.9k
Gray / Pan Roof / Black Roof 05 - 82k - $11.9k
Electric Blue / Pan Roof / White Roof 03 - 81k - $9.9k
Silver / Silver No-Pan Roof 04 - 84k - $9.5k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 03 - 67k - $10.9k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 05 - 90k - $11.5k
Gray / Pan Roof / White Roof 05 = 94k - $11.9k


What do you guys think is the best deal? The last one is closer to me than one above it, so that's why it's on the list.

The three in bold are the ones I would consider.

I drove the 03 with 67k today, and I loved it. Car drove great. I am going to try and schedule a BMW (or similair) inspection on it, before purchasing the car. The car is too mint too pass up!

My 2002 Cooper S is great - almost 10 yrs old now and wouldn't part with it! All cars have problems - just need to choose carefully and wait for the right one to come up - then pounce on it!

Exactly, you can buy a 2006 with 10k on it and still have issues...

I'm currently trying to find a Mini repair shop, to do an inspection on it prior to purchase. Will keep you guys posted!